What a month it has been for all of us here in the office. We launched our new website, had a very successful Annaul Meeting in Yosemite, and are gearing up for our 2008 scholarships and programs.

2008 AMGA Scholarships

The AMGA is getting ready for scholarship season and this year we are doing it a little different. We will have one general application with additional questions for specific scholarships.

We will be accepting applications November 1, 2007 through January 1, 2008. Then, in the first week of January, all applications will be submitted to the AMGA scholarship committee. We plan on having all scholarships be awarded on March 3rd, 2008.

In regards to handling 2008 winter ski guide courses, scholarship applicants will be asked to pay upfront and then once awarded a scholarship, the AMGA will be happy to reimburse you.

So, if you are interested in applying for the various scholarships offered through the AMGA, please keep in mind that you will need to submit all required information by January 1, 2008! Scholarship information, process and application is available on our new website.... www.amga.com.

YOSEMITE.....2007

The AMGA 2007 Annual Meeting in Yosemite, CA was a huge success! We had a great turnout ~ lots of good climbing, good food and good people. The atmosphere was productive and fun. It seemed that people enjoyed themselves and were genuinely excited to be there. Clinics went smoothly and the AMGA raised over $4,000 with the Silent Auction and Raffle. Overall the event was great and it would not have been possible without the help of a lot of folks.

First, we would like to thank our Title Sponsor, Patagonia and Opening Night Sponsor, Marmot. A big thanks goes out to OR, Arc'Teryx, Black Diamond, Gore, Brooks-Range, The North Face, Petzl, and Mammut .... we could not have done it without your support.

Also, we would like to thank Kyle and Cindy Lefkoff for their contribution to the this years meeting as well as their continued support of the AMGA.

Many thanks go out to Sara and Dave Bengston & Yosemite Mountaineering School for all their help and support in organizing this year's annual meeting and BOD dinner.

We were delighted that Lynn Hill was able to be the Presenter at 2007 meeting. Lynn presented a phenomenal slide show, Rocks Around the World ~ Tour and Technique, at our Main Event. Lynn's feats in Yosemite are legendary as well as her entire climbing history. It was a true pleasure having her join us in the Valley.

Thanks to Doug Nidever and his crew for organizing another incredible Guide Olympics.....I had the opportunity to participate and it was a definite highlight in my week.

Also, were would we have been without the gracious beer donations from New Belgium Brewery and Sierra Neveda. Cheers to you!

A shout out to Joe Vallone for his good humor and strong spirit while being duck taped to a tree....it only took 15 AMGA Certified Guides to hold him down. Joe, you the man!